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Scottish business unites behind Trump

The leaders of five business organisations in Scotland have joined forces to urge the government to approve the Trump Organisation's controversial plans for a £1 billion golf, leisure and residential complex in Aberdeenshire.

The rare display of unanimity comes as tourism figures are down and the property and construction sectors have been tarnished by the credit crunch.

The leaders of the lobby group believe Donald Trump's plans for the Menie estate will give the Scottish economy a much-needed shot in the arm. The Scottish government inquiry into the proposal ended on July 4 and, despite promises to report its conclusion within 28 days, John Swinney, the finance and sustainable growth secretary, has not yet pronounced on the planned resort.

Trump's plans include two links-style championship golf courses and a development of 1,450 new homes at Menie, near Aberdeen. However, to the consternation of Scottish business figures, the plans were thrown